SH International Rugby (other than TRC, ABs)

[Dice]

@Stargazer I was going to ask where Charles Piutau was, but figured out that he was Salesi Piutau.

Not a bad team. On paper, that backline looks pretty lethal. I'm skeptical if they'll actually be that good on attack though, because there aren't many noted passers in the backline.

Now I'm interested to see who Samoa select.

[Bovidae]

Vaea Fifita's last test for the ABs was July 2019 so I assume he becomes eligible this year. Big brother is in the squad.

[Grooter]

William Havili playing Test rugby how good! 🙂

[Stargazer]

So who have swapped nations as a result of the November 2021 eligibility rule change?
Augustine Pulu, Charles Piutau and Israel Folau?
Malakai Fekitoa was already eligible via the Olympic loophole, but hasn't played XVs for Tonga, yet.

[ARHS]

Can only see 3 props????

[Stargazer]

@ARHS They've listed 3 LH and 3 TH props separately.

[ARHS]

@Stargazer Who are the tight-heads? Not listed in what I can view

[Stargazer]

@ARHS Look to the right of the hookers ...

[ARHS]

@Stargazer my browser blocks viewing and the online article was retracted. Kepu? Pole? Tameifuna?

[Stargazer]

@ARHS Siate Tokolahi, Ben Tameifuna and Sosefo (Joe) 'Apikotoa.

Kepu isn't eligible yet. Pole is a LH prop.

[ARHS]

@Stargazer Thanks

[Bovidae]

I wonder if Sefo Kautai was considered? Maybe he is ineligible by playing for the Brumbies.

[Stargazer]

@Bovidae Playing for the Brumbies can't make him ineligible under WR rules, if he qualifies via the (grand)parent rule. Only playing for another country can. Is he of Tongan heritage?

[Bovidae]

@Stargazer NZ-born but I am sure he is. Sosefo Siulangapo Vito Kautai

I was thinking more from RA's perspective, and whatever clauses are in the contract Kautai signed with them to play for an Aust team. Similar to NZR's SR contracts unless you are given an exemption.

[Stargazer]

@Bovidae Was asking about the heritage, because I also know of a player with the same last name who has played for the Cook Islands, so I wasn't sure.

[Higgins]

@Stargazer Think that was someone with a name like Gideon Kautai who plays for Hastings RSC and was in that Cooks team that played a few games in NZ last season.

[Stargazer]

@Higgins You totally got it!

[Higgins]

@Stargazer A little secret, my flatmate in Wellington was involved in the Cook Islands team that played HB, and got creamed by 90 odd points, about 30 years ago. Obviously he keeps somewhat quite about that!

[Dice]

[Dice]

No former ABs, but a couple of former NZ 7s players in there with Fritz Lee and Lolagi Visinia. Duncan Paia'aua seems like the only other player who has switched countries.